Dear Emma Reese,
Throughout the last year, you have blurted out quotes that can only belong in your speech bubbles.
The most recent saying, “Be patient.” Of
course, I know you have heard this from my own mouth many times when you are
screaming for a new cup of milk, yelling to buckle your seat belt, or singing
loudly to hear your new song.
You first heard the word, “patient” before you were even a
year old, in a Cookie Monster board book.
The entire plot revolves around this blue monster and his Sesame Street friends being patient for the
cookies to bake. Cookie Monster talks with each friend and they show him the importance of being patient with different situations (ballet lessons, tying a shoe). Since we read this book
for weeks during bedtime, you immediately associated patience with Cookie
Monster. This is ironic (and funny) since
you are sometimes a monster wanting cookies too when you are not patient.
Patience—a virtue that we all strive to obtain on a regular
basis, but not always acquire this quality as needed. I think about all the professions that
require a major dose of patience, immediately coming to mind are the
kindergarten and daycare teachers, who “have the patience of Job.” Thanks Ms. Paula! Really everything in life requires
patience. Whether if it is waiting on cookies to bake or the next job opportunity, this virtue is required. It takes patience to accept who you are and
to appreciate the time it takes to get there.
And more patience if you never get there.
I reflect on this past year and realize your new quote
depicts our life in so many ways:
It takes patience to realize you are not perfect and it’s okay to make
mistakes.
It takes patience to look over the people who judge those mistakes simply by smiling.
It takes patience to not live in the past, but be grateful for the past
memories.
It takes patience to stop worrying so much about the future by savoring
the present.
It takes patience of healing from hurtful friendships by focusing on
the stronger connections.
It takes patience leaving a beautiful place by climbing a mountain
that will eventually lead to your soul.
It takes patience of learning to do without by scraping
pennies to make your dreams come true.
It takes patience to love again, even though your heart has been broken
in a million pieces.
It takes patience to get to the next chapter by faith, enthusiasm, and
perseverance.
Thank you Emma Reese for your patience with me. And yes, your patience with life. We both deserve a cookie (Appalachian Cookie Company Cookies at that from your birthday party)!
Love,
Mommy
